But, in my recent commitment to do so, I’ve found that trying to save money is just like trying to lose weight. No one really wants to do it. We all want instant results. And, unfortunately, it only works if you let it.

That being said, just about any plan works, as long as you follow it. You can cut your carbs or boost your protein, cut out fine dining or put more money into your savings every week. Whichever way you choose, you just have to commit and continue. It’s plain and simple. You’ll lose weight if you burn more calories than you consume. You’ll save money if you spend less money than you make!

So then why aren’t we all rich and thin?

It’s because we are human beings who have these little built-in steering wheels that take sharp left turns toward temptation and slam the brakes on our willpower.

But there are ways to get back on the right road.

Self-control

Every food and spending decision is yours to make. (Keep in mind that I’m talking about extraneous spending, not living expense spending, but the kind of spending where you pick up your third pair of cute little black heels when the other two are really just fine). Before you make the purchase or take a bite, ask yourself, “Do I really want to do this?” Sometimes the answer will be yes, but you’ll be surprised at how often you can walk away.

Be accountable

Write down every bite you take. Write down every dime you spend. You will be amazed at how much you eat and spend without realizing it. And simply keeping track will help keep you on track.

Budget

Ugh. We all hate that word. But, when we set limits for ourselves, if we break the boundaries, we still stay closer than we would if we had none at all.

Try it!

Don’t assume you won’t like low-calorie dinners. Try cottage cheese again. Check out healthy recipes. And for your spending, USE COUPONS! There are so many easy ways to save these days, it’s foolish not to take advantage of what you can. Clipping coupons conjures up images of sitting around the kitchen table with scissors and the Sunday paper. Not anymore!

Sites like SavingStar will do double duty for you. You can get coupons not just for food, but for all kinds of things that will help keep you healthy. SavingStar has great deals like the "Healthy Offer of the Week" for savings on fruit and vegetables, "Friday Freebies" for free products, and eCoupons for big savings on cereal, dessert, snacks, frozen entrees, yogurt, and more.

Forgive yourself

Perhaps most importantly, forgive yourself when you fall off track. Don’t beat yourself up, but instead just dust yourself off and start again.

You CAN do this!

How do you keep yourself on track when you’re trying to save money or lose weight?